We tried the friendshipping groups and they didn’t work. The kids knew the counselors were forcing friendships and they could see right through it.
He’s in Jr High now and it’s 100x better. I think the having one class in elementary school didn’t help him. He now has seven classes and is meeting new people and involved in newer activities. (Orchestra, track). He plays basketball but has bone density issues so that slows him down, but he’s SO much happier.
This isn’t helpful, but our experience with our three kids is Jr high makes all the difference. In the meantime, I’d suggest asking his teacher how recess and lunch are structured. My kid has a few friends in the other class and he wasn’t allowed to sit by them. We took it to the Principal and they made some adjustments.